‘Losing to Nigeria should not be a disaster’ Hugo Broos

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says losing to Nigeria will not be disastrous despite the importance of Friday’s match.

The 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles will be played at Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday evening.

“We want to have a good result against Nigeria because this is a qualifier for the World Cup and we don’t think about revenge,” Hugo Broos said as per Times Live.

“Losing the game should not be a disaster because after that we still have six games to play. But I would rather not have a defeat to Nigeria. 

“We know all about them but they also know all about us. I think they will not start the game with the same mentality they had at Afcon because they know how strong we are,” he added.

Hugo Broos plays down expectations ahead of Nigeria clash

“We have to use our status of being the team that finished third at Afcon but at the same time we must stay humble. We still have to work, fight and produce the same mentality we showed at Afcon.”

Hugo Broos’ side lost to Nigeria at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. After the semi-final match ended 1-1, the Super Eagles went on to win 4-2 on penalties. Bafana’s preparation for the Nigeria match were hampered after the team spent more than 18 hours on the road.

Bafana Bafana meet Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier match on Friday

Hugo Broos said on Thursday that his team were focused on the Nigeria match despite hiccups.

“We are more focused than ever. Travelling in Africa is difficult, so that is not our focus. We are focused on the job at hand and that is the game against Nigeria,” he said in a press conference.